Happy 75th Birthday, Batman!

Posted on 7/3/2014
by
Michael Ackerman

Tuesday, July 22, 4:00-9:00 pm in the Central Library Auditorium

Seventy-five years ago, the widespread success of Superman prompted comic book editors to demand more superheroes for their titles. In response, artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger created a caped, cowled vigilante named Batman in Detective Comics #27. He was an immediate hit among readers and received his own solo title in 1940, along with a daredevil junior counterpart named Robin and a rogue's gallery of villains like the Joker, the Penguin, and Catwoman.

Over time, the popularity of Batman grew and grew, crossing over into a variety of media: comic strips, books, radio dramas, television shows, a stage show, a series of blockbuster films, and video games. Today, he's just as beloved as ever.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Caped Crusader, we're going to screen a couple of his big-screen adventures. We will begin at 4:00 pm with the gloriously campy 1966 movie starring Adam West and Burt Ward as the Dynamic Duo. Then, starting at 6:00 pm, we'll show Christopher Nolan's dark, brooding 2008 film starring Christian Bale and Heath Ledger. We even have some Batman memorabilia to give away! There are buttons, bookmarks, temporary tattoos, masks, and posters! Come get them while supplies last!

Light refreshments will be served. All underage sidekicks must be accompanied by adults.